I am finally partially weight bearing and using 1 to no crutch depending on how I am feeling. I have now taken out 2 of the 3 inserts in my air boot and next week I will be flat on the ground. I feel like I could tumble backwards at any moment, as if I have little to no muscle strength available to hold myself upright. Walking is extremely difficult! I am starting to have pain on the top of my ankle and the tendon is still tight which is to be expected. It takes about 10-15 min. to get my ankle into the boot in the morning. I have to use my hands to physically manipulate/flex it into place in the aircast. Is this normal???
I would love some tips for walking "correctly" in the air boot. I watched the video posted on the site, but am finding it very difficult to apply since my leg isn’t strong enough to push off effectively and propel myself forward. Are there any exercises that any of you have done that have helped you at this point? Could scar tissue be the issue? I feel like Frankenstein with a horrible lurching gate! Help please!
I would love some reassurance and advice…
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March 1st, 2013 at 4:13 am
normofthenorth
Although it’s fun to sleep barefooted, if your AT & calf are tightening overnight, you may be better in the boot. Esp when you remove a wedge, the “nicest” way is to remove it at bedtime and sleep in the boot. That way your leg can get used to the new stretch without being loaded with your weight. Safer and morfe comfy, too, IMO.
I had no problems boot-walking. RyanB has posted some
suggestions. Land in the heel the use the round sole to roll forward to the toe. Let the rigidity of the boot support your weight, transferring the AT’s normal load to your shin. You should be able to walk fast, with a long stride, once you get the hang of it and once your foot is comfy with FWB.
March 1st, 2013 at 4:16 am
normofthenorth
That was SUPPOSED to be a response to your latest page,
About ankle pain. I have no idea how it got here…
March 1st, 2013 at 3:16 pm
normofthenorth
“Land in the heel the use the round sole to roll forward to the toe.” –>
“Land on the heel then use the round sole to roll forward to the toe.”
If you turn on editing in your dashboard/options, some of us will fix some of our own typos.
March 1st, 2013 at 3:19 pm
normofthenorth
Dennis, why are my comments showing up on two different pages here?!?
March 4th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
kkirk
The best advice I could give as far as walking is don’t rush it, and if you have to, use the crutches to assist and keep your gait as correct as possible. With your boot on put your weight on your heel and push/roll forward to your toes. I hope you have found success since your posted. Good luck.